Tool for applying connectors to energized transmission lines and the like



, April 25, 1950 D. c. HUBBARD TOOL FOR APPLYING CONNECTORS TO ENERGIZED v TRANSMISSION LINES AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. 5, 194e :a sheets-sheet 1 M Xf- Wu# April 25, 1950 D. c. HUBBARD 2,505,136

TOL FOR APPLYING CONNECTORS T0 ENERGIZED TRANSMISSION LINES AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. 5,` 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 25, 1950 TOOL FOR APPLYING CONNECTORS T ENERGIZED TRANSMISSION AND THE LIKE LINES David C. Hubbard, Centralia, Mo., assignor to A. B. Chance Company, Centralia, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application January 5, 1946, serial No. 639,438

Claims.

The present invention relates to tools for applying electrical connectors to energized transmission lines and the like, and is particularly concerned with an improved tool that is adapted to apply connectors of the split-bolt type with a jumper wire or other conductor that is to be secured to the transmission line conductor.

One of the objects of the invention is the provision of an improved tool for applying split-bolt connectors to an energized conductor which is adapted to hold the jumper wire or a wire loop in proper position against the gripper contact of the connector nut during the installation of the connector without the aid or need for any auxiliary tools, with the jumper or loop arranged below the conductor.

Another object of the invention is thek provision of an improved tool for removing split-bolt connectors from energized power lines and for removing and holding jumper wires or loops during this operation in such manner that` jumper wires, which may be energized from another source, willnot be a hazard, but will be properly controlled.

The tool is, of course, conned to installations or connectors which have been previously installed by a similar or the same tool, with the jumper wire below the conductor, and not above it nor twisted about it.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved tool of the class described, which is provided with a self-aligning, selfcentering mechanism in the head, for gripping the split bolt of a connector, which mechanism is actuated by spiral grooves in the cap so that a split-bolt may be very quickly installed and gripped. y

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved tool of the class described, which may be provided with interchangeable sockets for the nut so that it is adapted to t a plurality of split-bolt connectors of different sizes.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved socket lock mechanism for atool of the class described, which does not require the use of any tools, and which effects an absolutely certain securement of the socket so that there is no danger of the socket getting loose during the operation of the tool. l

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved tool of the class described which is provided with means on either yside of the socket positioned and designed to hold a jumper or loop wire in position against the gripper portion of the split-bolt nut.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved tool which has its sliding mechanism so constructed as to maintain alignment of the parts, and which is so insulated by Bakelite tubing and the use of insulating operating rods that the amount of exposed metal is reduced to a minimum and the possibility or ashover to ground or between phases is practically eliminated.

Another object of the invention is the production of an improved tool of the class described for applying split-bolt connectors which involves the use of a single pole so that a single operator may apply these connectors with a minimum amount of labor and time and so that the number of tools required is reduced to a minimum.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, of which there are two sheets,

Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of a split-bolt connector tool embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view in partial section; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the plane of the line 6--6 of Fig. 1 and showing the parts as they appear after the'conneotor nut has been driven home and the connector and jumper wire have been secured on the energized conductor, but the tool has not yet been removed;

' Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the tool of Figs. 1 to 3, with wires in the tool, taken on the plane of the line 4-4 of Fig. 1, except that wires have been added;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the plane K of the line 5--5 of Fig. 1, except that a wire has been added;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the plane of the line 6 6 of Fig. 1, except that wires have been added, showing the tool in the position which the parts assume when it is ready to be placed on the energized conductor;

Fig. 7 is side elevational view of one of the detachable sockets for nuts of different sizes;"

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the plane of the line 8-8 of Fig. '7 through the socket;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken through one form of split-bolt connector nut, which is provided with one form of gripper for engaging the It is also adapted to apply vthe split-bolt conl nectors disclosed in my prior application, Ser. No. 624,497, filed October 25, 1945, issued* May 31, 1949, as Patent No. 2,471,957, entitled Electrical connectors.

Such split-bolt connectors are illustrated generally in Figs. 6 and 9, and they include a splitbolt Ill and a nut l l, provided with a wire gripper l2. The nut may consist of a standard hexagonal nut yprovided with a threaded bore i3.

The gripper may consist of any metal member which has an upper groove i4 vfor receiving the jumper wire l5, and one or more downwardly extending legs a, with means l5 on said legs for engaging below the nut to keep the gripper on the nut, but to permit the nut to rotate relative to the gripper.

The spilt-bolt has a noncircular head l1 and a threaded shank I8, which has a pair of legs E5 and separated by a slot or groove 2i that eX- Vtends up into the head and is adapted to receive the energized conductor wire 22. o

The legs 15a of the gripper i2 are locatedin the slot'2l so that they slide in the slot as the nutmil rotates and is threaded on nthe shank i8.

While the head l1 of the split-bolt may be hexagonal or square or any standard shape, it need only have two opposed flat surfaces 23, 24, such as that shown in my prior application, to be engaged y bythe head of this tool.

The tool is provided with an elongated operating pole 25, preferably cylindrical in shape and made of properly dried wood, impregnated and `covered at its outer surface with `an insulating varnish Asuch as a Bakelite varnish; and the length-of this -pole depends upon the voltage with which the vtool is to be operated.

o AAt the'upper end of the pole 25 the pole is provided with the mechanism of the present tool, but adjacent its lower end it is provided with a sliding tubular handle for controlling an actuating rod -21, by means of which the mechanism is actuated.

Thehandle 25 may consist of a cast vmetal cy- -lrindrical sleeve, having at its upper end on one Vside'an auxiliary integral lug 28 provided witha socket.

At its upper end the pole 25 is preferably provided with va sleeve of Bakelite tubing 3l, which extends downward for a distance of approximately a foot to cover metal parts and improve The rod 21 is also preferably covered with a short section of insulating Bakelite tubing 32, extending from a lower cross head 33 to the head 34. In each case the Bakelite tubing is preferably impregnated and covered with an insulating varnish.

The cross head 33 forms the lower end of a slider structure which includes the rod 21, a pair of insulating guide rods 35, 36, and the head 34. The head 34 includes a cast metal body 31, which lhas an integral depending tubular member 38 provided with a cylindrical socket 39 for receiving the tube 32 and rod 21. The tube and rod are pinned in the socket 39 by a transverse metal pin "d0 passing through the rod, tube, and walls of the socket 39 and riveted over on the outside.

This Xes the tube 32 to the rod, and it is only necessary to secure the cross head 33 to the tube 32 and rod 21 by a transverse pin 4 l, which passes through the cross head and engages a groove 42 in the tube 32, thus rendering it unnecessary to bore through the rod or tube, which might reduce their strength at this point.

The cross h eadh33 Vhas a pair of laterally extending arms 43, 44 joined byaa body, which has a concave curve 45' for clearing the outside of the tube 3l -on the operating pole 25. Each of the arms 43, 44 is provided with a cylindrical portion, having a socket for receiving the guide rods 35, 36, which are Xedly pinned in these sockets by the through pins 45 in a manner similar to that previously described.

The operating head 34 also has a pair of sockets located in the partially cylindrical portions 4G, 41 for receiving the upper ends of the rods 35, 36, which are pinned in these sockets so that the head 34 is Xedly secured and supported on the rod 21 vand is secured to the cross head 33 by the two additional guide rods 35, 36,4providing a relatively rigid support for the head-3 4.

The head 34 has a generally cylindrical body, except Vfor the outwardly projecting socket portions 38, 46, 41, which extend radially vfrom the head; and Vit is preferably provided with a pair of depending guide prongs 148, 4S, which are spaced from the socket lugs 46, 41 sufficiently to form a pair of aligned slots 50, the upper portion over from adjacent energized conductors.

of which is partially cylindrical at `5 l The prongs 48 and `49 are adapted to -be used to hook the tool on the energized conductorof a transmission line, such vas the conductor 22. The slot 5 is adapted to be aligned with the slot 2l of the split bolt I0 when the bolt is carried by the head l34 so that the prongs V5l actually Vguide the energized conductor 22 into the slot 2l of the split bolt,

For this purpose the slot 5E! vmust be centrally located 'in the head and must extend diametrically across 'the center Yof `the head. The body 52 ofthe head 341s formed with a centrally 1ocated 'hub 53 projecting upward from the circular body and having a cylindrical bearing surface 54.

The hub 53 has a threaded bore 55 for receiving a screw bolt 56, -which may be provided with a thrust washer 51 or an enlarged head for retaining a rotating cam 58. The cam 5 8 consists of a circular disc of metal provided with a pair of upwardly projecting `radial wings 59 for engagement with the ngers to rotate the cam, and with a Vcentral bore 60 for yreceiving the hub 53, on which it is mounted for rotation.

The body 52 of the head 'has an upper plane surface '61, andthe cam 58 has a lower plane surface B2, the latter being provided with a spirally extending groove 63 located in the lower surface 62 for receiving the pins 64, 65.

, The groove 63 is preferably rectangular in cross section, and the pins 64, 65 may be substantially cylindrical, with plane ends. The length of the hub 53 is less than the thickness of the cam plate 58 so that the cam plate rotates freely on the hub; and'in so doing the pins 64 or 65 riding in the groove 63 are moved radially inward or outward, depending on the direction of rotation of the cam.

.The head body 52 is also provided with a pair of radially extending cylindrical bores or sockets 66, 61 communicating with upwardly extending apertures 68, 69, the latter taking the form of elongated radial slots for passing and guiding the pins 64 65.

The bores 66, 61s1idably support the cylindrical jaws 10, 1I. The inner plane surfaces 12, 13 are adapted to grip the opposite ilat sides 23, 24 of the head I1 of a split bolt. The pins 64, 65 prevent rotation of the jaws 10, 1I in their sockets 66, 61 by virtue of the pins being located in the slots 68, 69, and the pins may be secured by a tight fri-ctional fit in the bores 14 in each jaw 10, 1 I.

The slope of the spiral cam groove 61 on the bottom of the cam plate 58 is verygradual so that, as thisA cam is rotated, the jaws18, 1I are moved slowly, andthe cam is adapted to effect a wedging action with the pins 64, 65 so that when the jaws 10, 1I engage a split-bolt head the cam holds them, thereby wedging against the pins 64, 65 in the groove 63.

Thus the split-bolt of a connector may be held in the head 34 in suitable position to engage an energized conductor 22, which is guided into place by the prongs'48, 49.

The pole 25 is provided at its upper end with a suitable wrench socket, such as the socket and arrangements are preferably made so that this socket is interchangeable with others of diierent sizes for use 0n split-bolt connector nuts of different sizes. Therefore, the upper end of the pole is provided with a nonoircular socket 16, communicating with another cylindrical socket 11 for receiving the noncircular portion 18 of a shank and the cylindrical reduced end portion 19.

The latter end portion 19 may be pinned in its socket by a transverse metal pin 80, which is conned in its bores 8 I, 82 by being placed inside and under the Bakelite tube 3 I.

A cylindrical reinforcing ring of metal 83a may surround the wood of the pole 25 at its uppermost end, clamping the pole against the reduced cylindrical portion 83, which, however, has grooves for receiving the corners or radial anges 18 of a noncircular portion 18.

` The shank 18 has an upper cylindrical portion 83, which carries a substantially cylindrical body 84 that is adapted to rotate in a guide member 85. The body 84 has an annular groove 86 about its outer cylindrical surface, the groove being rectangular in cross section, and adapted to receive the end of a screw bolt 81, which is threaded through the wall of the guide member 85 and located in the slot 86 to permit rotation of the body 84 inside-the guide 85, but to prevent any relative axial movement between these two members.

The cylindrical body 84 is thus adapted to be rotated by the pole 25 to actuate the wrench 15 and to apply or remove a nut I I. In order to provide for a plurality of different sockets, this body has an upper reduced cylindrical portion 88, which is provided vwith a spring pressed plunger 89.

" The spring pressed plunger 89 is provided withl an enlarged cylindrical head 90 and a cylindrical stem 9|. The head 90 islocated ina bore 92 and 6. engages a helical coil spring 93, the other end of which engages the end of the bore 92. The stem 9| passes through a smaller counterbore 94 and projects from this counterbore into a slot 95 of a socket 15. The head 89 projects into a cylindrical portion 96 of a bore which communicates with the lower end of the socket through a slot 91.

The shoulders provided by the portions 98 of the bore 96, which are toward the lower side of the -bore on either side of the slot 91, are the retaining shoulders on the socket, which engage the head 9,0 on plunger 89. The plunger 89 is, however, urged into the engaging position shown in Fig. 6, and can be disengaged by being pushed inward until its stem 9| goes into a bore 99 in the body and the head 90 clears the shoulders 98.

At this time the socket can be removed because at the opposite side of the socket there is merely a slot 95. One of the sockets is shown in Figs. '1 and 8, and it comprises a substantially cylindrical metal body, having a lower cylindrical tubular portion |08, which ts about the reduced portion 88 of the rotating body 84 and in-` side a cylindrical bore IOI in the guide 85.

Above the cylindrical tubular portion |60 there is a radially projecting flange |02, the annular surface |03 of which serves to engage the top of the guide member 85 and to align the plunger head .with its socket 95 in an axial direction. The upper outer part of the socket 15 may comprise a tubular cylindrical portion |84 that is provided with a hexagonal socket |05 for engaging a hexagonal nut. y

The shoulders |06 in the socket |05 determine the extent to which the nut goes into the socket |85, and to save material there Vmay/be a counterbore |91 and through bore |08 in the socket member 15.

The member 85 comprises a guide for rotatably supporting the body 84 carried by the end of the pole 25 for rotating the socket 15. Therefore, the body 85 comprises a generally cylindrical metal member having an outer cylindrical surface and having the inner bore IOI. The cylindrical body 85 has projecting from it a radially 4 cally located with respect to the reduced cylindrical portion II4 so 'as to miss it, but so that pin' I I5, which is riveted in the lug |09, engages the annular surfaces II6 on the inner end of each of the members II2, I I3. Thus the plunger f III may reciprocate freely except as it is influenced by the spring pressed plunger 89, and plunger II I is of suiiicient length so that it projects from its bore III! when it is engaging the plunger 89 in the position of Figf.

It is `also of suicient length so that, when pressed inward, plunger III moves plunger 89 far enough to cause head 90 to clear its socket 86. Thus the button I I2 is the actuating member for releasing the socket latching plunger 89;

but, as the body 84 rotates in the guide 85 the socket supporting body 84 must be turned to the proper radial position for registry between plung-A ers III and 89 before the socket can be removed.

in Fig. 6 the socket Supporting` member 84 i6,

showrenithe proper notativepositiorrlfor engage# ment between the-.plunger I vIiI and plunger ssof that av mere pushV on thebuttoir I I`2Will u'nlatc'l'ik the socket 15.

Y Other socketsof-diierentasizes or having-l diiferently shaped nut-engaging surfaces IU5- may# besubstituted; thusrmaking the toolf one'o'funi-f versal application to. various typesoff'split-bolt connectors.

Inraddition to the radially projecting lug IUS; thebody 85^has1 thel radially projecting; partially-- cylindrical portions. IIT; H8; IIS-i Theportions- I I'I, IIBare provided with-bores I2'0, I2--I; for sli'd"- ablyreceiving the woodenlrods 36, 35 sothatthe'-- member 85- isg-uided on the`=rod`s 35T; 36 as itis" moved upward and downward by means of rthe handle 26"andpole 25"; The projecting portion I I8Vof the guide' body 85 :also'has'acylindricalbore |22r for slidably receiving' the Bakelite tube cov-- ered- `rod`- 2`'I-, 32E' which also-guides' the head 85th-r its -jap-a-ii'd-dow-n sliding motion.

' The projecting portions II'I; IIB-"'of'theguide" body 85" preferably have a pair'ofradiallyex'- tending supporting lugs I'23, |24 (Fig. 5) for the`A purposeV of AAcarrying a pair of 'spring' clips'i I25'to I'ZB'On-eaehlug I23, |24. The forward surfaces' I29ofV eachlug 23, I'24 areplane and are'so locatedithat'the line'of division I30Jbetween tlievr springclips is diametrically located; and`eacl1` clipA of" ea'ch'pair is located4` on the-opposite sides of thisA diametrical line 'or plane.v

The`lugsl23, I24'areprovided" witha` pair of threaded bores for. receiving. the two screwbolts 131'; which .pass through eachpair ofclips at theirv securingian'ges I'22 `to 'fasten them 'to the. lugs..

Y Thel springclips I25 to I 2'8 may 'all lbe similary inconstructionand4 shape;` and" each clip has a. relatively flat attaching ange portion" provided' with bores for receiving the screw bolts" I3I.`

The. spring' clips I25L to |28 arepreferably shapedtas shown inFigs'; 6 and .10" so that "theyj exerta downward'iorce' onthe jumper wire'to holdv it 'in' the groove I 4 'ofi the split' bolt connector" wire gripper. I2.

Thus, in Fig; 6. both .ofitheispringfclips' are? shownelreadyengaging'the .wire I5'` s'o tli'attl'xeJ jumper wire' iseiirmlyA held; and even..though.- struck against some object or jarred,` the jumper"v cannot easily' becomeV disengaged. A

Referringjtol Fig. 2.'. each clip is 'bentoutward at I33and'backward with'fan easy bend atIBl" to form a partially cylindricalgroove' between two clips.. Thereafter the clipsextend'diagonally up Ward with"substantially straight portions I3'5,. and. they' contact each 'other at'the outward bends'y I'fandv have-outwardly extending `horns` |131, which forma receptive camming surfaceforre+ ceivingan energized v'conductor so thatl the con-f ductorcams the clips .apart 'until-this" conductor`- is` also received in between the two4 cli'ps.

Theoperationzof my connector Vapplyingztool is' as follows: The splitboltis disconnected 'from"its nut.V In'applj'fingp'the` connectorrtda too-1;v the* split-boltV I-i'is placed" in the centrally'locatedY socket I3?7 of thehead Stbetweenthegrippingf jaws 10,11'IL-theseaws having;rbeen withdrawn sumcient-ly'by vrotating the cam58r` TheV cam member may then 'berotated int theA Y opposite-direction until the jawsgrip `the^ope posedfnoncircularrsurfaces 2B-,i 21Ifion` the head? off thel split-bolt, andrthe -cam effects'V4 a slightlAv` wedging `action, holding the -head 'of the split-b011211- in'the operatinghead-ll; The slot! I.' offthe splitv boltshould'; ofi-course; be -lcated'fsothat it exi tends` parallelf-toithe jumper vwire- I 'fwhic'h 'liseton befplacedbetw'e'en the spring' clip's'" I25f-I28il'the` position shown in Figi 6 l The nut- IT'I?l is:1pl'faced"inT thesocket`A T5, with y its gripper |2`V extending uppermost and-1' the groove lfd@ of the gripper" extending* p'arallel to*4l theAvv slot` 2f". Then the wire y'Sma-'y be placedbe'twee the spring clips i252#- V 'in' thegrove of theb gripper I'f2of`fthe-nut. Atjthisqtime the devie' is in the' condition d`is`c1osed'1inFi'g. e, except thatfit is'n'ot hanging on the` energized conductorv 2521A The*V operator may" then lift: theh lsplit`-"b`olt`f connecto'r'Withitsboit; mit, and thei'juziiperiwireby meansjoif" the: pole 25r until thev prongs 49rise abovetiie` energized conductor' 22, so that these prongs`V may be hookedI over the conductor, aidingin guiding the conductor into the slot of the split-bolt connector",` where theV device will hang of'ts own weight l j y This should. be "done:` preferably by holding the poleat the'hand'le 26 so` that'thevveighiof'the'V pole 251 and" its associated parts will keep the sockett l5" andVA jumper' wire i5 in the lowermost position.. inFig; .6), with the' deviceI open belovv Vthev prongs 48, 1%"9E fori'nsertion' of'the energized" con"-4 duc'tor22". After the.' device is' hookedl on" the energized' conductor'. 22; the operator may then grasp the handle 26"Wirth on'elhand' andithefp'ole'ZS with" the' other` Hand, and the pole *25 may' bepushed upwardglwhile pullingl down' on'C the' handle 26'. This wiii cause'tne'body veto" risewith its *spring` clips. I25-I28, carrying with it thesocket'; nut' Ilgandjumper wire'rl's. n y

As the spring; clipsL I"2'5i'-I28` enga'ge-the ener-v gizeolr` conductor 2'2', they' will be cammeo" apart by. the end portions. I3.'I until` thel conductor" 22 contacts the conductor |15. l Y

Befoeth'stirne, however', thei'it'l I Iy may' come' into' engagement .with the' shank' I8 ofthe' split'- b'olt |0; andY the' reduced' cylindrical' end' of" tno split-bolt; shown at thefbottom' of this bolt"in" Fig. 6)l aids the alignmentof the nut and'bolt. While the nut' isv engagingA the bottom ofi the threads on the' splii'f-boli'., the' operatbnmayi'turn" the pole.25 during. action the supporting body lfo'r the' socketv I5'r'ota't`es` in the guide" member 85;.rotatingthe nutv I"Ian`d` causingiit to betireadd'on the bolt I 0.

During thisaction the-gripper. I'ZQHcrri'edby" the nut I I, slides upward'in'th'e slot` 2l; carrying' withitthe jumper Wire' ISiitil 'thejxiiperwire |51v is. brought intoy tight engagement with the energized conductor 22;'.whioh'is lforced"into the baseoftl'eislot 2 I. n

The nut I`I may thus be b'rought into tightl clamping.r rela ion.. With-.thetwo wires f I 5, 2'2 "coriiined ingtheslt" 27| between the base of fthe' slot ZLandthegripper slot I4.- i

The toolmay then bewithdrawn-v by pulling...- downward on-.the-)pole 25,. which willwithdrawthe. socket -'I5-from=-the nut II. The` too1-may be.` removedY fromfthe'split-bolt f .by pushingup#A Ward'hon Zthe* handleZI;v the-.bolt head f I-'I -of theFA The'fj aws fare preferably sol 4arranged :fthat they grip the bolt"` heady tight enoughf to: retain i its l Weight; buts` not'fsotig'htlyr'that the vtoolf'cannot bef'pushed-forti-'theE vhead as just described;

When' a splitbolt connector' is'-to.befremov`ed,

" theyy jaws'Y arefrst previouslyi adjusted. to`v the proper gripping positionfbyf:trying-another splitenergized conductor in such manner that the jaws 10, 1| canbe pulled down on the opposite sides of the head of the split bolt.

Thereafter the handle 2S is held down, while the pole 25 is pushed up, until the spring clips I 25-i 28 engage the two conductors and the socket engages the nut il. In this engagement of the nut the pole may have to be rotated slightly to bring the socket into alignment with the sides of the nut.

Thereafter the pole 25 may be rotated in such direction as to unscrew the nut from the splitbolt ii); and as this action takes place, the body 85 will move downward from the energized conductor 22 until the spring clips release the energized conductor 22 and the nut ii moves ofi the end of the bolt I0. Then the spring clips will Still hold the nut Il, eliminating any possibility of dropping of either of these members, which might result in a short circuit.

If, perchance, diiiiculty is encountered in adjusting the jaws lli and 'H until they are suiliciently tight to lift the split-bolt oi the energized conductor 22, such action would be immaterial, as the energized conductor 22, supported by poles, would keep the split-bolt from rotating; and after the nut has been removed and the tool has been lifted from the wire, the splitbolt can be retrieved by merely tipping it until it falls ol the wire.

It will thusA be observed that I have invented an improved tool for applying split-bolt connectors, which will not .only apply the connectors, but can also be used in removing them. My tool holds the nut and jumper Wire securely during the application or removal so that the danger of dropping the jumper wire is reduced to a minimum.

The present tool may be used with interchangeable sockets on split-bolt connectors of diierent sizes and upon various different types of splitbolt connectors which have a bolt with opposed wrench-engaging surfaces and a nut.

The mechanism for holding the split-bolt is self-aligning and self-centering, and the mechanism does not require a screw driver, wrench, or other tools. The application of split-bolts is accomplished by means of a single pole operation, which may conveniently be handled by a single operator.

The present tool is sturdy and adequately insulated against moisture, and the amount of exposed metal is so reduced that the possibility of Hash-over to ground or between phases, due to the use of the tool, is substantially eliminated.

f While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. In a tool for manipulating split-bolt connectors, the combination of an elongated wooden pole with a metal fitting carried by its upper end and having a pair of laterally projecting arms, a pair of upwardly extending spring clips located on each side of said arms, said spring clips being formed with spreading ends, engaging humps, and a recess below the humps for retaining a tap wire, a wrench socket member carried by said tting and being provided with a socket 10 for receiving the nutof a split bolt connector, said socket having a through aperture for passing the split bolt, a sliding head movably mounted on said pole, said sliding head being mounted upon a plurality of insulating rods, guides carried by said fitting for said rods, whereby the head may be slid into proximity with the wrench socket and away from the wrench socket, said iitting being provided with guides for said insulating rods, a

cross-head for joining lower portions of said insulating rods below said guides, one of said rods being extended downwardly, and being provided with a handle sliding on said pole, said wrench socket being rotatably mounted in said tting, and said head being provided with means for gripping the head of a split bolt, whereby the tool may be hung on an energized conductor and brought into connection with a tap wire carried by said clips, by pulling downwardly on said handle or pushing upwardly on said pole, the pole rotating to cause the nut to be threaded on the split bolt, with the tap wire below the transmission wire.

2. In a tool for manipulating split-bolt connectors, the combination of an elongated wooden pole with a metal fitting carried by its upper end and having a pair of laterally projecting arms, a pair of upwardly extending spring clips located on each side of said arms, said spring clips being formed with spreading ends, engaging humps, and a recess below the humps for retaining a tap wire, a wrench socket member carried by said fitting and being provided with a socket for receiving the nut of a split-bolt connector, said socket having a through aperture for passing the split bolt, a sliding head movably mounted on said pole, said sliding head being mounted upon a plurality of insulating rods, guides carried by said tting for said rods, whereby the head may be slid into proximity with the wrench socket and away from the wrench socket, said tting being provided with guides for said insulating rods, a cross-head for joining lower portions of said insulating rods below said guides, one of said rods being extended downwardly, and being provided with a handle sliding on said pole, said wrench socket being rotatably mounted in said fitting, and said head being provided with means for gripping the head of a split bolt, whereby the tool may be hung on an energized conductor and brought into connection with a tap wire carried by said clips, by pulling downwardly on said handle or pushing upwardly on Asaid pole, the pole rotating to cause the nut to be threaded on the split bolt, with the tap wire below the transmission wire, said sliding head being formed with a downwardly extending guiding prong on each forward side, and being provided with a pair of jaws slidably mounted` on said head, each jaw having a pin, and a rotatable member having a spiral slot for receiving said pin, whereby said rotatable member is adapted to actuate the jaws into clamping relation with the head of the split bolt connector.

3. In a tool for applying split bolt connectors and a conductor to an energized line, the combination of an insulating pole supporting said tool, the said pole being provided at its upper end with a metal member having a shank secured inA said pole, and a metal sleeve enclosing the end of the pole and providing an annular seat, said shank supporting a socket engaging member, and said socket engaging member having a cylindrical bearing surface and a reduced cylindrical portion for reception; in L a; complement'arlyv bore in a socket wrench.mem'b'er;l an rotatable: guide. member having a cylindrical.A bore for receiving said 'cylindrical bearing surface and restingupon saidr .annular seating surface; said' guide member. having` outwardly extending lugs vprovided with aplurality of boresga b'oltisupportingheadfcar' ried'by'a plurality of slidingrods, the said-rods being slidablyf mountedin said bores-for movement-'longitudinally of :the pole;` saidbolt support ing head having gripping/'jaws for gripping;` the head of a split boltand-holding 'it"in-.centered` position with' its shank: depending" toward the pole; the said'rodsf-being joinedatV their lower end by a cross-head, andthe said'cross-head-hav- 1 ing a partially cylindrical formationor.- engage ing the outside ofsaidf tube surroundingffsaidpole; thebolt rotating insaid guide member. to lrotate a socket wrench -carriedfby` the -reduced cylindrical portion, andf the pole sliding 'upwardrelative' to said guide rods to bring the nut carriedxby the socket wrench -into 'engagement with` thev fbolt.V

4. In a tool for applying split bolt; connectors and aconductor to 'anfenergizedline .the combination ofi an insulating pole supportingcsaidtocl,

the said pole beingprovidedV at its upper end with -a metal memberf having `al'shank l Securedin. said-pole, anda' metal sleeve-enclosing the end. of v the npole and providing arrannularseat, saidV` shank'` supporting a1. socket4 engaging member, and saidsocket engaging. member. having a cylindrical bearing surface and a reducedcylin-Y dricalportion for.- reception. inacomplementaryv bore in a.. socket wrench mernber,y arotatable. guidemembenhaving: a cylindrical -bore for` receiving-said cylindrical bearing surface andfresting upon said annular'seating. suriacasaid guide, member having outwardly extending. lugs. providedzwith a plurality. of bores, .a .bolt supporting.. head carried. bya plurality. of.V sliding rods,- the said rods-beingslidably mounted.. in said. bores for movementlongitudinally.of. the pole, saidlbolt'V supporting headhaving grippingijawsdor grip.-

ping. theneadof a. spiitfboltandroiaing. am.

to rotate a socket wrench. carried by the reduced cylindrical portion,.and the pole-sliding upward relative to said guide-rods to bring the nutcarriedby the socket wrenchinto engagement with the bolt, 4and a socket wrench havinga't one endl a. noncircular socket for`v vengaging and .receiving a. nut, andhaving. at its other end ai cylindrical socket for receivinglsaid reducedcylindrical por-V tion, said reducedcylindrical'portion also have ing an outwardly springpressed` plunger for engaging' in an aperturei in` the side wall; ofV the cylindrical socket portion of the socket wrench' for holdingfthe socket wrench on said reduced' cylindrical portion.

5. In a tool forrapplying split bolt connectors`V anda conductor tofanvenergized line, the combination ofian insulatingpole'supporting saidV tool,

the saidpolebeing provided atLits upperrend with a .metal member Vhaving. a shankfseoured in .said pole, and a metal sleeve/enclosing vthe end of the pole'andproviding an` annular seat, saidzshank supportingasocketiengaging member, having a cylindrical bearing surface and a reduced -cylindricalportion for reception in a` complementary bore' in a. socket wrench member', a rotatable guide member'. liavingia, cylindrical bore for receiving said cylindrical bearing surface yand resting' upon saidannularseating surface, saidv guide member having outwardly. extending lugs provided vwith` a plurality of bores, a bolt supporting head carried by a plurality'. of sliding rods, the saidV rods being slidablyV mountedv in said bores for movement longitudinally ofthepole, said bolt supporting head havinggripping jaws for gripping the head of a.split-bolt and holding it in centeredposition with its shank depending to.- ward the pole, the said rods beingzjoined at their lowerendv by a cross-head. and the said crosshead having al partially cylindrical formation forenga'ging 'the outside of said .tube surrounding said pole, thefbolt rotating in said guidemember to rotatela socketlwrench carried by the-reduced cylindricallportionand theA pole slidingxupward relative to said guide rods to bring the nut car,- ried by the socket wrench into engagement with the bolt, anda socket wrench havingrat one end: a noncircular socket for engaging. and receiving a nut, and having at itsother endfa, cylindrical socketffor receivingsaid reduced cylindricakportion, saidreduced cylindrical portion. also having-an outwardlyspring pressed plunger foren'- gaging in an aperture in the side wall of the cyl indrcal socket portion of'the socket-:wrench for:

holding 'the socket wrench onsaidireduced cylindrical portion, the said spring pressed plunger" being located inside of' said guidermember in an otherwise inaccessible position, and said, guide` member having a slidingY push rod. projecting,

from the guide member and located tctengage` the end of said spring pressed'plungerlwhen.the

push-rod-and fplunger are rotated.` into :registry'so thatithe'` push rod'. maybe usedto retractthe plungerV to release the. socket wrench member.'

DAVID`- C'. HUBBARD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are offrecord. in the le' offthi's patent:

UNITED` STATES PATENTS Number. Name Date 1,452,107 Vernaz: Jan; 16,- 1923 1Q450,641' Ograbisz`- Apr. 3,' 1923 '1;493-517` Bush AMay"13', 1924 1,705,582." May` Mar; 195 1929` 1;'790,238- Klein' Jan. 27, 19312 2,002,981: Holladay May; 28, 1935.` 2,114,736y De Right etal Apr.. 193 1938.- 2,220,314. Blackburny Nov; 5, 1940- 2,316,423` Heinrich Apr. 13,- 1943 FOREIGN 'PATENTS Number Country DateA 645,101" Germany May22, 1937' 

